Kidney cancer survivor backs California Prop 38 for medical research

Southern California kidney cancer patient Ruben Narvaez is campaigning for California Proposition 38 after an immunotherapy clinical trial extended his life eight years beyond a terminal diagnosis. He says the measure would speed medical research for cancer and other diseases while adding funding safeguards and patient discounts.

Why it matters: - Ruben Narvaez’s story is a direct example of how immunotherapy research can extend lives after a terminal diagnosis. - Proposition 38 would put $8.4 billion toward immunology research aimed at cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other persistent illnesses. - Supporters say the measure could help speed treatments for patients facing serious diseases now and in the future.

What happened: - Ruben Narvaez, a Southern California kidney cancer patient, is publicly backing YES on Proposition 38 with California voters. - Narvaez is promoting the measure in an opinion piece in La Opinión and through radio outreach across California. - In 2018, doctors told Narvaez to get his affairs in order and said he had only days to months to live after a terminal stage IV kidney cancer diagnosis. - A second opinion led Narvaez to a clinical trial for immunotherapy, which gave his immune system a way to recognize and fight the cancer. - Eight years later, Narvaez says he is still alive and able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

The details: - Narvaez says the treatment has given him more birthdays, holidays, trips and everyday moments with his family. - Narvaez said, “Today, eight years later, I’m still here: not just surviving, but thriving.” - Narvaez also wrote about family members he has lost to ALS, heart attacks, dementia and AIDS. - Prop 38 is described as funding the next generation of immunology research for diseases including Parkinson’s, diabetes, ALS, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. - Immunotherapies use the body’s own immune system to prevent and treat disease, and they are already being used successfully for melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - The proposal comes as federal research cuts are shutting down clinical trials and delaying discoveries. - At least 160 active clinical trials nationwide have been affected by the termination of National Institutes of Health grants in 2025. - In California, universities have begun curtailing biomedical research and delaying hiring as federal grants were terminated or withheld. - Prop 38 is designed to pay for itself through 10% of proceeds from the licensing of immunotherapies developed under the measure, which must be returned to California to offset total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed under Prop 38 would be provided to California patients at a 20% discount below the national average. - Prop 38 includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses, public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding under the measure. - More information is available through the campaign site, including a coalition list and supporter statements.

Between the lines: - Narvaez is using his own survival story to argue that research funding is not abstract policy, but something that can change a family’s future. - The campaign is framing Prop 38 as both a medical-investment measure and a cost-controlled public finance program. - The emphasis on accountability and patient discounts suggests supporters are trying to answer concerns about spending, oversight and access.

What's next: - Narvaez is expected to keep campaigning for Proposition 38 through media appearances and print outreach. - California voters will decide whether the measure advances the proposed funding model for immunology research. - Supporters are continuing to direct voters to the campaign site and coalition materials for additional details.